JAIPUR: JMC-Heritage on Tuesday demolished an under-construction hotel that was allegedly being built illegally in the Walled City area.
A day earlier, a resident from Chandi ki Taksal died by suicide alleging that he was not being allowed to construct his house despite having valid land documents, while there was no action against the hotel being built illegally adjacent to his property. The man had accused JMC-Heritage officials and PHED minister Mahesh Joshi of harassing him.
Locals were protesting when the JMC-Heritage team reached the location and initially did not let the officials inspect the hotel site. Protesting residents started raising slogans and tried to gherao the deputy commissioner (vigilance) Neelkamal Meena who had visited the site. However, police using force took the senior official away safely in his vehicle. After about an hour-and-a-half, the corporation started action in the presence of top police officers and heavy protection force.
JMC-Heritage commissioner Vishram Meena said, “Even if it continues till late night, the hotel will be demolished today (Tuesday) itself. A complete inquiry will be done to check how did our officials allowed such a construction to take place, whereas the victim was not allowed to build the house. Strict action will be taken against those who are responsible for this.”
Despite attempts, DC (vigilance) did not respond to calls seeking a comment.
According to reports, chief minister Ashok Gehlot reprimanded officials from the civic body on how such an illegal construction was allowed to take place, after which action was taken by officials and the demolition process was started.
Illegal constructions have mushroomed Walled City. In February 2020, Walled City was declared as a UNESCO Heritage site where changing the architecture of the area is not allowed. The protection and management requirements on the UNESCO World Heritage Convention website states, “As per the Jaipur Master Plan 2025, the Walled City area is a specially designated heritage zone and any work related to heritage conservation is guided by detailed heritage management plans and project reports implemented through mandated government agencies. The development and implementation of a Special Area Heritage Plan will include conservation measures and enhance the state of conservation.”
A day earlier, a resident from Chandi ki Taksal died by suicide alleging that he was not being allowed to construct his house despite having valid land documents, while there was no action against the hotel being built illegally adjacent to his property. The man had accused JMC-Heritage officials and PHED minister Mahesh Joshi of harassing him.
Locals were protesting when the JMC-Heritage team reached the location and initially did not let the officials inspect the hotel site. Protesting residents started raising slogans and tried to gherao the deputy commissioner (vigilance) Neelkamal Meena who had visited the site. However, police using force took the senior official away safely in his vehicle. After about an hour-and-a-half, the corporation started action in the presence of top police officers and heavy protection force.
JMC-Heritage commissioner Vishram Meena said, “Even if it continues till late night, the hotel will be demolished today (Tuesday) itself. A complete inquiry will be done to check how did our officials allowed such a construction to take place, whereas the victim was not allowed to build the house. Strict action will be taken against those who are responsible for this.”
Despite attempts, DC (vigilance) did not respond to calls seeking a comment.
According to reports, chief minister Ashok Gehlot reprimanded officials from the civic body on how such an illegal construction was allowed to take place, after which action was taken by officials and the demolition process was started.
Illegal constructions have mushroomed Walled City. In February 2020, Walled City was declared as a UNESCO Heritage site where changing the architecture of the area is not allowed. The protection and management requirements on the UNESCO World Heritage Convention website states, “As per the Jaipur Master Plan 2025, the Walled City area is a specially designated heritage zone and any work related to heritage conservation is guided by detailed heritage management plans and project reports implemented through mandated government agencies. The development and implementation of a Special Area Heritage Plan will include conservation measures and enhance the state of conservation.”
